Suzy, Nam JooHyuk, Kim SeonHo, and Kang HanNa are the lead actors of this drama. It tells the story of a young people who dream of success and who start working in start-ups in the Korean Silicon Valley. It tells their 'START' and their growth 'UP'.
Did you know that actor Yeo JinGoo has a small role in the drama? Unless you are a huge fan of the actor, you might have missed him in the first episodes.
Yeo JinGoo Facebook
He is actually acting the voice of an AI speaker named Jang YoungSil owned by Kim SeonHo. Jang YoungSil is a character of the drama and it even has its own character description on the drama official website.
tvN
In the drama, Kim SeonHo is considering investing in the company that made the machine. It is not working properly as it never answers the questions correctly but from times to times it answers wisely. For example, in one of the scenes, Kim SeonHo was asking for the weather but the machine answered with today's fortune.
tvN
If you are curious to hear a bit of Yeo JinGoo's voice, you can check the video below.
Top 38 Most Followed Korean Actors On Instagram & 100+ Other Actors' Instagram
Have you ever wondered about the number of followers each Korean actor have on Instagram? Here are the most followed!
YuJun, Kpopmap Editor 10 min to read ·
Published : Feb 20, 2024
· Updated : Feb 22, 2024
FANTAGIO
Most of the Korean actors have Instagram and some have an impressive amount of followers! Some have been using Instagram actively while some do not really keep it updated. Some actors also just created their Instagram recently and are still gathering followers.
Here are the most followed Korean actors on Instagram and then a rough ranking of over 100 actors' Instagram accounts. If you are not following your favorite actors' Instagram, it is time to do so.
All data were updated on February 22 (latest update), 2024, at 3 PM KST. We regularly update as the numbers keep on increasing and the ranking is changing.
Important Notice: only a few acting-dols have been included according to our criteria (January 2022) made with readers. Check them down the page.
Ahn JaeHyun (@aagbanjh), Ong SeongWu (@osw_onge) [Ong SeongWu was the lead actor in "At Eighteen" and "More Than Friends"], BTOB's Yook SungJae (@yook_can_do_it) [Yook SungJae was the lead actor in "Who Are You: School 2015", "Mystic Pop-up Bar", etc], Ryu JunYeol (@ryusdb), Kim MyungSoo (@kim_msl) [Kim MyungSoo was the lead actor in "Angel's Last Mission: Love", "Royal Secret Agent", etc], Kim JongKook (@kjk76), Jang KiYong (@juanxkui), Kwak DongYeon (@kwakdongyeon0), Jung IlWoo (@jilwww), SHINee's MinHo (@choiminho_1209) [MinHo was the lead actor in movies "Derailed", "The Battle of Jangsari", and more], Seo KangJoon (@seokj1012), Lee HyunWoo (@hihyunwoo), 2PM's TaecYeon (@taecyeonokay) [TaecYeon was the lead actor in "The Game: Towards Zero", "Secret Royal Inspector & Joy", etc], EXO's D.O. (@d.o.hkyungsoo) [D.O. was the lead actor in "100 Days My Prince" and "Bad Prosecutor"]
Over 2m followers
CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa (@jyheffect0622) [Jung YongHwa was the lead actor in "Heartstrings", "Sell Your Haunted House", and more], Lee HongKi (@skullhong12) [Lee HongKi was the lead actor in "Bride of the Century", "Modern Farmer" and more], Jin Goo (@actor_jingoo), Song IlGook (@songilkook), Yoo AhIn (@hongsick), Park HaeSoo (@haesoopark_official), JinYoung (@jinyoung0423) [JinYoung was the lead actor in the movie "The Dude in Me", the drama "Police University" and more], Kim MinJae (@real.be), TVXQ's YunHo (@yunho2154) [YunHo was the lead actor in "Heading to the Ground", "Meloholic", etc], Kim HyunJoong (@hyunjoong860606) [Kim HyunJoong was the lead actor in "Boys Over Flowers", "Playful Kiss", etc], Kang TaeOh (@kto940620), Bae InHyuk (@inhyuk_bb), Yoo YeonSeok (@yoo_yeonseok), Lee JeHoon (@leejehoon_official), Yoo InSoo (@k.a_innsoo), Kim JaeJoong (@jj_1986_jj) [Kim JaeJoong was the lead actor in "Triangle", "Manhole", etc], Jo ByungGyu (@bk_arta), VIXX's N (@achahakyeon) [N or Cha HakYeon acted in "Tunnel", "Ms. Perfect", "Familar Wife", "Children of Nobody", "Mine", "Bad and Crazy", etc], RyeoUn (@_ryeoun)
Due to the huge number of idols in the acting field, we have tried to limit the list to idols genuinely active in acting and not to all the idols acting. At Kpopmap, we always prioritize the opinions of our readers first. That is why these criteria have been made out of readers' opinions. We held a poll (here) and we opened an open discussion on Reddit (here). You've asked us to be stricter in our criteria and so here are the new rules.
. In a K-Drama, Netflix Original drama, or a movie:
Two lead roles (was clearly one of the main characters)
or
One lead role and 2 supporting roles
or
More than 4 supporting roles
. Guest roles can't be considered supporting roles
. Only dramas over 6 episodes (special and short dramas are excluded)
. Only movies released in Korean theaters (not just online) (at the exception of Netflix original movies)
. No web dramas (exception for Netflix)
. Only Korean releases
Kpopmap's criteria for acting-dols are not absolute or the right answer. It is just criteria applied in the content of Kpopmap. And these criteria can change according to the trends or fans' opinions.
The other acting-dols have been included in the following article:
Find out about all the historical K-Dramas of 2024.
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 5 min to read ·
Published : Dec 7, 2023
· Updated : Feb 6, 2024
KBS
Are you a fan of historical dramas? Then, you don't want to miss out on the historical K-Dramas announced for 2024.
A few historical dramas were announced for 2024. We will keep updating throughout the year, so stay tuned.
Web dramas are not included in this list and this is not a ranking.
This is not a ranking. Dramas starting in 2024 are included in this list.
1. "Love Song For Illusion"
KBS
When: January 2024
Cast: Park JiHoon, Hong YeJi, Ji Woo, Kim DongWon
Summary: It tells the story of a King with two opposite personalities and an assassin girl who wants to kill him but ends up falling in love with him.
Why Watch: The drama portrays a story of passionate romance and nail-biting suspense. It treads this line masterfully with an incredible performance from Park JiHoon and Hong YeJi.
This drama is based on the webtoon, "Love Song For Illusion".
2. "Flower That Blooms At Night"
MBC
When: January 12
Cast: Honey Lee, Lee JongWon
Summary: It is a comedy investigative historical drama that follows the story of a 15-year-long widow who is the daughter of a noble family and does not see anything of the outside world during the day, but crosses the fence at night to live a secret life.
Why watch: A mix of lightheartedness and mystery, "Flower That Blooms At Night" is a drama that will have you invested while smiling from ear to ear.
3. "Sejak: Charmed Deceit"
tvN
When: January 21
Cast: Cho JungSeok, Shin SaeKyeong
Summary: Depicts the cruel love story between King YiIn, who must face multiple dangers of power struggles, and Kang HeeSoo, who attempts to seduce the King in the name of revenge, but ends up falling for his charms instead.
Why Watch: A tale of romance and deceit, this drama is filled with various twists and turns that will keep audiences glued to their seats with every passing week.
4. "Tale Of Mrs. Ok"
RoseeDor / J.WIDE Company
When: TBA
Cast: Lim JiYeon and Choo YoungWoo (in talks)
Summary: Depicts the life of a female slave in the Joseon Dynasty and her passionate survival story.
Why Watch: -To be updated with the relase of the first teaser-
5. "Hong Rang"
Netflix
When: TBA
Cast: Lee JaeWook, Cho BoAh, Jung GaRam, Park ByungEun
Summary: A drama that follows a long-lost son of Joseon's elite whom resurfaces carrying a load of hidden secrets. Alongside him is his persistent step-sister who looks to discover the truth.
Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
Based on the novel, "Tangeum".
6. "Queen Woo"
TVING
When: TBA
Cast: Jun JongSeo, Kim MuYeol, Ji ChangWook, Jung YuMi, Lee SooHyuk,Park JiHwan
Summary: Set in the Goryeo era, the drama revolves around Lady Woo, the first ever woman in history to become a queen twice. She will be on the hunt for her new King within 24 hours after her previous husband, the King died.
Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
7. "The Love Story Of Chunhwa"
Go Ara's Instagram / Star Village Entertainment
When: TBA
Cast: Go Ara, Chang Ryul
Summary: The romance historical drama follows HwaRi, the youngest princess of the royal family who decides to find her husband by herself. Among her potential husbands is Choi Hwan, the wealthiest merchant with handsome good looks. He seems to hide a secret.
Why Watch: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
8. "Handwritten"
The Star
When: TBA
Cast: Seo InGuk (in talks)
Summary: The drama is set in the Joseon Dynasty and the story revolves around Kwon SooYoung, his journey to find his identity after losing his memory, and how he gets caught in a power struggle.
Why watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
Adapted from the novel, "Jikpil".
9. "Haesi's Sinru"
Arena HOMME+
When: TBA
Cast: Ahn BoHyun
Summary: In an extra space of the Joseon Palace, a burning triangle romance takes place between a mysterious woman and the monarchs of Korea and China.
Why Watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
Adapted from the webtoon "Haesi's Sinru".
10. "Missing Crown Prince"
MBN
When: March 9, 2024 premiere
Cast: EXO's SuHo, Hong YeJi, Myung SeBin, Kim JooHeon, Kim MinKyu
Summary: A romantic comedy set in the Joseon era. Revolves around a crown prince who is kidnapped by the woman who is meant to become his wife.
Why Watch?: Enjoy the great chemistry between EXO's SuHo and Hong YeJi in this historical romance drama. Gte a chance to see more breathtaking Korean landscape, and dive into the beauty of Korean traditions.
11. "Won Kyung"
BB Lab / Netflix
When: TBA
Cast: Cha JooYoung, Lee HyunWook
Summary: A story about Queen WonKyung and King TaeJeong. They work together to create a brand new regime, but eventually experience a downfall in their relationship.
Why Watch?: -To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
12. "Serenade"
JFull Entertainment
When: TBA
Cast: Yeo JinGoo (in talk)
Summary: Follow the love story between the prince of the JoSeon dynasty, who wants to escape from the nation and find happiness, and a maiden from a poor family who wish to find happiness by becoming a successful woman in the nation.
Why watch?: - To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
-to be updated-
BONUS
36. "Dae JangGeum" 20 years later
MBC
When: 2025
Cast: Lee YoungAe (Dae JangGeum)
Summary: In the continuity of the 2003 MBC drama "Dae JangGeum" (also known as "Jewel In The Palace"), this sequel will dive into the life of Dae JangGeum as she becomes a female physician.
Why watch?: - To be updated with the release of the first teaser-
Which historical K-Drama are you looking forward to? Let us know in the comments.
Top 17 Best School/College Romance K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist (2023 Update)
Find out the top best school/college romance K-Dramas to have on your watchlist. (Updated with 2023 dramas)
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 10 min to read ·
Published : Nov 7, 2023
· Updated : Dec 26, 2023
JTBC
For new K-Drama fans, it is often hard to make a great watchlist from scratch. You most probably ask your friend’s opinions or read online reviews to make your selection, but that is probably not enough to decide on your next drama.
K-Dramas have plenty of genres. This time, we listed romance dramas set in school and university. We made a selection of the best teen romance and campus romance. If you are a K-Drama beginner, look out for the dramas we have selected to find which ones suit your taste! For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all the dramas listed below, if not, it is time to add them to your watchlist.
Summary: The story of a woman living a new life through plastic surgery. She ends up meeting Do KyungSuk at college orientation, and while everyone thinks that appearance is important, he thinks differently. She will learn what real “beauty” is.
For: Viewers looking for a campus romance questioning what is "beauty" with a swoon-worthy main couple.
Why watch?: This campus romance has an interesting theme on “what is real beauty”. The plot mainly focuses on romance and other issues of university students, making the whole story very interesting. The main couple's chemistry is one of the best. It is a must-watch!
Summary: It tells the dreams and love stories of students who are in pursuing a career in sports.
For: Viewers looking for the sweetest and the most hilarious campus romance.
Why watch?: This drama is just too good to miss! The female lead is a bubbly weightlifting athlete and the male lead is a soft swimmer. This true OTP created this perfect romantic comedy with their perfect chemistry! This drama gave birth to one of the legendary K-Drama lines, "Do you like Messi?".
Summary: A youth drama that tells the story of an 18 year old high school girl who's life completely changes as well as the students surrounding her.
For: Viewers looking for a mysterious and exciting teen story.
Why watch?: This drama is a must for young viewers. Kim SoHyun's acting is perfect in this teen drama. The plot and the love triangle also made it worth watching. There is no wonder why this 2015 drama of the "School" series was popular.
4. "Dream High"
KBS
When: 2011
Cast:Suzy, Kim SooHyun, 2PM's Ok TaecYeon, Ham EunJung, Jang WooYoung, IU
Summary: It tells the love story and dreams of young people who desire to become stars by attending an Art High School.
For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high-school romance with a music theme.
Why watch?: It might be an old drama, but the story is easy to watch and completely addictive. If you like K-Pop and dramas about singers, this drama might be for you. Suzy and Kim SooHyun couple's chemistry is unforgettable.
5. "Boys Over Flowers"
KBS
When: 2009
Cast: Ku HyeSun, Lee MinHo, Kim HyunJoong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon
Summary: The love story of a girl from a poor family and a boy from one of the largest conglomerates family who attends the same private high school.
For: Viewers looking for a hit high school love story.
Why watch?: There are many reasons why this drama is worldwide popular (and not only the Korean version). Even after all these years, "Boys Over Flowers"'s plot and cast are still worth watching. The handsome F4 and the fierce female character created this memorable drama with famous scenes.
Summary: It tells the love and friendship stories of wealthy high school students.
For: Viewers looking for an addictive cliché teen K-Drama.
Why watch?: There are two types of "The Heirs" viewers: those who loved it and those who hated it. "The Heirs" is entertaining and filled with K-Dramas clichés but that is for the best. If you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster and cheesy drama, don't miss this one.
Cast: APRIL's Lee NaEun, Kim DongHee, Golden Child's BoMin, Kim SooHyun, Ryu EuiHyun, Kang MinAh, Shin YeEun, Shin SeungHo
Summary: The web drama is about the worries and love stories of teens. The changes that the main characters are going through by changing from 18 to 19 years old. They are going through a lot with the preparation of the CSAT (college entrance exam) and this comes with a lot of choices to be made.
For: Viewers looking for a cute teen love story reflecting Korean students' worries.
Why watch?: It is a web drama of excellent quality. The story is engaging and has a slow pace. The love story and school worries of the characters are interesting (feat. handsome actors). All in all, the drama is definitely worth watching.
8. "To the Beautiful You"
SBS
When: 2012
Cast:Sulli, SHINee's MinHo, Lee HyunWoo
Summary: It tells the story of a girl pretending to be a guy who entered an all-boys physical education high school.
For: Viewers looking for a funny and easy-to-watch teen story.
Why watch?: The drama is a bit old. However, the whole drama's light-hearted atmosphere and laughable circumstances make it likable. You will find yourself falling for the characters and laughing out loud. SM Entertainment stan might want to look at this drama as various idols appear.
Summary: An emotional fantasy romance drama taking place in a world where vampires and humans co-exist.
For: Viewers looking for a high school story with vampires.
Why watch?: If you like dramas with vampires and cute school love stories, "Orange Marmalade" might be for you. There are few K-Dramas about vampires, and this one stands out. Even if the script was a bit unorganized, the interesting overall plot took over.
10. "Cheese in the Trap"
tvN
When: 2016
Cast:Park HaeJin, Kim GoEun, Seo KangJoon, Lee SungKyung
Summary: A romance thriller that tells the story of a female college student who is the only one who saw the real true self of her sunbae. This perfect guy is hiding his dangerous nature behind a sweet smile.
For: Viewers looking for an unusual campus story.
Why watch?: Many have divided opinions about this drama. The two main male characters are quite unusual because of the way they think. They are different from other dramas' characters and make viewers try hard to understand them. That is the charm of this drama making you curious until the end.
Summary: It tells the story of a girl who realizes that she is a supporting character inside a romance manga named "Secret". She tries to change the fixed story for her love and life.
For: Viewers looking for a swoon-worthy couple with fantasy and mysterious elements.
Why watch?: If you are looking for one of the best romance dramas with a high school background, this is for you! The drama has eye-candy leads and a fun lead female character in a story full of fantasy and mysteries. You will get quickly addicted and captivated. If you like cute and innocent love stories, this is even more recommended for you.
Summary:"Love Revolution" tells the love story of the couple Gong JuYoung and Wang JaRim while also depicting the teen's lives realistically with their love, friendship, studies, and dream.
For: Viewers looking for a hilarious plot and an innocent love story of high school students.
Why watch?: The main reason to watch this Kakao TV web drama is the lead character Gong JuYoung, the cutest and cheesiest boy in the world. He is crazy in love with Wang JaRim, a cold high school girl, and will do everything to win her heart. As you can expect from such a storyline, their love story will be full of unexpected and funny events. Moreover, all their friends have an essential part in the fun of the drama. It is light and hilarious.
Summary: It tells the romantic comedy story of JuGyeong, who is bullied for her appearance and then turns into a goddess through makeup with the help of her friend SuHo who keeps hidden scars. The two met and by sharing their secrets, they grow and restore their self-esteem.
For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high school romance and a focus on self-esteem.
Why watch?: It is a must-watch! This school story is relatively light with an addictive love story (feat. tons of heart-fluttering scenes) and numerous entertaining scenes. However, it also has its darkness. The female lead is harshly bullied for her looks, and she lost her self-esteem (to mention just a few of the issues in this drama).
Summary: It tells the real struggles of people in their 20s and the issues of university students. At a distance, their youth seems beautiful, but if you look at it closely it is harsh. University students' lives would've been a little easier if they utilize guides to exams (like IT exam dumps & practice tests online).
For: Viewers looking for friendship and romance stories with characters with painful and sad stories.
Why watch?: This drama perfectly mixes two opposite feelings in its plot. It is sad because the drama highlights the painful wounds of each of its characters and the real hardship of university students (it is realistic). Despite having an overload of darkness, the drama isn't all gloomy and dark. At the same time, it is bright with an adorable romance, cute friendships, and likable characters who grow together.
Summary: It tells the stories of students of SeoYeon University who try to find "M", the anonymous main character of a story posted on the school community that turned the school upside down. The characters' romantic lines will change as they are looking for "M".
For: Viewers looking for a friends-to-lovers campus love story with interesting characters.
Why watch?: If you like campus romance, this is for you! Between the heart-fluttering main love line, rivalry in the second couple, diverse characters, and busy campus life, this drama has filled up all the requirements. It is sweet and addictive. You will not be able to stop yourself from watching the next episode.
Summary: A campus romance about the inflexible SangWoo and his encounter with the campus’ most popular student, JaeYoung.
For: Viewers looking for the addictive love story of two opposite university students.
Why watch?: It might just be the most heart-fluttering short campus romance of the century. BL newbies or experts alike, it will keep you away from your sleeping schedule (you're warned). The story of SangWoo and JaeYoung who go from enemies to lovers is played with amazing chemistry. This drama has been acclaimed left and right for good reasons.
Summary: "Twinkling Watermelon" focuses on Ha EunGyeol (RyeoUn), a model student who aims to make his parents proud. However, he's a natural-born, gifted guitarist who harbors a desire to pursue music instead. When this leads to an argument with his father, EunGyeol ends up discovering a strange yet enticing music store. After leaving the store, he finds himself in the year 1995 where he meets the teenage version of his father, Ha YiChan (Choi HyunWook). What ensues next is a story of youth, romance, family bonds, and music that gets everyone clapping along to its rhythm.
For: Viewers looking for a youthful drama full of emotions.
Why watch?: The drama has a good mix of heart-pounding youthful romance, family setting, bromance, a bit of mystery, and music. You will love the unexpected plot twist in the beginning, the handsome actors, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
You can also recommend to readers through the poll and the comments. (Note that "Dear. M", "Semantic Error", and "Twinkling Watermelon" were added later than other dramas in the poll)
What is the best school/college romance K-Drama according to you?
※You can vote multiple times without sign in.
Twinkling Watermelon
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty
Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo
Who Are You: School 2015
Dream High
Boys Over Flowers
The Heirs
A-Teen 2
To the Beautiful You
Orange Marmalade
Cheese in the Trap
Extraordinary You
Love Revolution
True Beauty
At A Distance, Spring is Green
Dear.M
Semantic Error
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